Show training...

I have heard Catherine talking the past few days about some big shows coming up in Australia before we fly to America. She said that I will need some practice shows before I go as she thinks I'm a naughty puppy and may not stack or bait very well. Stack? Isn't that what people do at supermarkets; maybe she is going to make me work for a living!? BAIT?? Are there going to be sharks at the show?!!? I was starting to get really worried about this showing business; so I took it upon myself- being the 21st century pooch that I am to do a little reading and online research in preparation for me to become the multi Best in Show winning Spinone I know I can be!

So firstly I hit the newspapers... Dog News Australia; Then the magazines- Dogs in Review. It's all advertising!!! No tips or any mention of stacking or baiting. A positive note from all this reading is that I am yet to sight a shark at any of these shows... so far so good I guess!

One thing I did notice in all these photos how beautiful the dogs look. Standing looking at their owners and running so nicely; and I don't see any of them chasing balls or toys?! Hmmmmm. I might need to get my hair and nails done before I go to one of these shows I think!

Back to the Internet. Those magazines aren't for beginners... I need to start from the beginning. I found a few good online books and after several hours of reading I finally understood the meaning of stacking (what's so hard about the word standing? and baiting (food!). Being the food connoisseur that I am; I eagerly await the bait. Will it be steak or perhaps smoke chicken??

I learned a few more things that Catherine failed to mention. I have to run!! Not only in a straight line but also in a triangle and maybe even a circle. If I win my class and I get a challenge certificate that goes towards my champion title! Hopefully I can get the 100 points I need to be an Australian show champion before I leave to go to America! I hope she knows all this stuff. She didn't mention any of that. I'm thinking it might be a bit hard to win a Best in Show. Maybe I'd better get fit if I have to do all that running around. Thinking about all that running made me tired and I had to have a little sleep!

After looking at all of the magazines and newspapers I found an advert that I could relate to. I have decided it will become my motto for the year!

(Did you notice that he has a fuzzy face like mine!)